As we set out for our very first Ibiza Winter Restaurant review of 2014, my editor, Cat and I had little idea of what an all-round superb evening was in store for us at Clandestino in Playa d'en Bossa.
Located on Calle Picasso, near Sankeys nightclub, with plenty of free parking on the street opposite the restaurant, the first thing to strike us as we walked into Clandestino is that it positively oozes warmth and cosiness. With two small separate dining rooms, chunky rustic furniture and a log fire roaring in the corner, we were soon chatting happily with owners, Sabrina and PierPaolo, and chef Roberta, who welcomed us with genuine openness and friendliness.
Whilst our starters were being prepared, Sabrina told us the inspiring story behind Clandestino. She and PierPaolo met when they were both living in London (hence, their perfect English) and they soon shared a vision of eventually opening their own restaurant. As young as they were, they committed themselves to this dream, and their determination and high standards led them to gaining invaluable experience at the exclusive Soho House, and the London Academy of Bar Tending. The couple moved to Ibiza in 2006, realising that this was the place where they would fulfil their dream, and continued to work at such high calibre establishments as El Chiringuito at Es Cavallet before opening Clandestino in July 2013. During our evening, it was clear to see that all those years of seeking out the best in top quality experience had certainly not been wasted.
I started my meal with mussels cooked in a creamy sauce and delicately garnished with alfalfa and carrot ribbons. Try as I might, I could not persuade Sabrina to disclose the "secret" ingredient in the sauce…you will just have to take my word that it complimented the mussels perfectly and was deeelish! Cat had opted for veal in tuna sauce, garnished with rocket and cherry tomato, which she assured me was divine.
Clandestino do not have a main menu per se, they have a Specials Board featuring a different Daily Special from Tuesday through to traditional roast on Sunday, and for added variety, they also offer a selection of Signature Dishes, so that most diets and tastes can be catered for.
Wednesday's Daily Special was Risotto de Funghi Porcini, Asparragi e Tartufo which I could not resist. Believe you me when I tell you that I have eaten more than my fair share of Risotto over the years…it is one of my all-time favourite dishes…so it should not be taken lightly when I say that this Risotto was the best I've ever tasted. Again, the precise ingredients that made this dish so gorgeously flavoursome are a closely guarded secret, but combined with the fluffy consistency of the rice, and the scrumptious mushrooms, it was nothing short of exquisite.
As for Cat, her Secreto Iberico and dish of french fries was being equally as well received and devoured. The presentation of all our food was excellent but it has to be said that, served on a thick, wooden platter, Cat's main course really did look stunning. The meat, she reported, was particularly well cooked, tender and seasoned to perfection, the french fries crispy and tasty.
Desserts of home-made cheese cake with fruit compote and meringue rounded off our meal perfectly…or so we thought…until our evening got even better and PierPaolo presented us with two of his spectacular-looking cocktails. Cat's, he told us, had a spiced Asian taste and was made with gin, ginger beer, red pepper, fresh ginger and lime leaf, the glass trimmed with finely sliced apple. Mine was more of an Ibiza theme…gin, Amaretto and Chartreuse, with orange rind, thyme and rosemary trimming. It was clear to see (and taste) that when it comes to the art of cocktail mixing, PierPaolo is an absolute master.
More customers had arrived during our meal, some dining, some sitting at the bar enjoying a drink, and everyone was treated with the same warm and friendly courtesy which created a very easy and pleasant vibe in the restaurant. This, coupled with lots of amusing pictures and signs on the walls (our particular favourite being a quote by Ernest Hemingway: "An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools") and we both agreed, Clandestino was undoubtedly one of the most homely and cheerful Ibiza winter restaurants that we've visited to date.
Sabrina had told us earlier in the evening that their philosophy is that everyone who visits them should "eat happy" and that, dear readers, we can assure you, we most certainly did.
Quick Facts
What Clandestino
Where Playa d'en Bossa
When
Closed Mondays,
Tuesday-Thursday open from 19.00,
Friday & Saturday 13.00 - 15.00,
Sunday 13.00 - 18.00
Why Charming hosts and great food. Oh...and cocktails!
Average Spend Per Head €18.00 + drinks.
Veggie Options Yes
Disabled Access Yes, through the side entrance, with just one step up of around 2 inches.
Top Tips Let PierPaolo shake up the perfect cocktail to finish your meal.
Accommodation in Playa d'en Bossa
For all your accommodation requirements in Playa d'en Bossa, please see our Playa d'en Bossa accommodation guide
Photos courtesy of Nic Click Ibiza.
